6363 Main Street, Williamsville, N.Y. 14221

1-800-634-5440 | www.nationalfuelgas.com

RELEASE DATE: Nov. 21, 2014

For additional information, please contact:

Karen L. Merkel, 716-857-7861

MEDIA ADVISORY National Fuel Offers Flooding Precautions

(Nov. 21, 2014) WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. - In light of the predicted rising temperatures and melting snow following the "Snowvember" lake-effect snow storm, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) offers customers the following information should they experience flooding in their basements:
• If flooding has affected customers' natural gas appliances (furnaces, hot water tanks, etc.), they should not attempt to re-light the pilot lights on that equipment. If furnace or hot water tank controls were submerged, the floodwater may have caused damage that could affect the safe operation of the equipment. A qualified contractor should be called to inspect the appliances.
• While the basement is flooded, customers should NOT attempt to adjust any gas equipment or their gas meters.
• Customers should not turn on any gas valve that has been turned off by National Fuel or emergency personnel when flooding has occurred. Once the water has subsided, contact National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234, and the company will test and restore the service at no charge to its customers. Appliances affected by floodwater will remain turned off and the customer will be required to contact a heating contractor or plumber to verify that the equipment will operate safely.
• As always, if a gas odor is present, the customer should open a window for ventilation, leave the premises and call National Fuel at 1-800-444-3130 immediately. Do not use any appliances or operate any electrical switches if a gas odor is present. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive emergency calls.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, a diversified energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas-related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service to approximately 730,000 customers in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.NationalFuelGas.com.

-30-
distributed by